Sunday, January 21, 2007

Will you take my Visa, or a couple of eggs, instead?

I love shopping. It’s my weakness.
And I know of quite a few other women, at LEAST three in Link222, (I’m not naming names…Ahem, Ashley, Stephanie, Janelle) who can relate even more so.

Unfortunately, my salary doesn’t equal or even come close to measuring up to my shopping fantasies, which is why, I’m all about a bargain these days.In fact, I’ve flat out banned myself from the mall and most clothing stores and tightly limit my visits to Target and Walmart, just to stay on the safe side.

BUT, ladies, consider this: What if you could use something like a barter system to get those high-priced designer jeans or that brand new Prada bag?
Like, instead of spending money you don’t have, or putting all those miles on your credit car,how about you just donate a couple of eggs?

No, I’m not talking about Grade A eggs, I’m talking about the ones in your body.

Sounds a little weird, right? Well, according to this story, it might be a reality pretty soon for willing British women, but not of course without much ethical debate.
No, they’re not offering them Gucci for eggs. It’s for a much more serious issue: To increase the number of human eggs used in stem cell research.

Surprisingly, as least to me, the story points out that this is already happening in America. In fact, American women have donated thousands of eggs for pay, some getting between $5,000 and $10,000!
But that’s what lies at the center of the ethical debate: Should we get paid for that?

I’m not even sure where I stand on this one. I mean, in one way, hey, getting paid is getting paid and that always sounds good to me.
But on the other hand, we’re not just talking about a rummage sale or giveaway of unwanted items, we’re talking about eggs – My eggs. Your eggs.
What do y’all think? Where do you stand?
Deal or no deal?

2 comments:

Ashley Northington said...

DEAL! It sounds llike an awesome idea to me. Sign me up, today. $10,000? Please, I'd cut the eggs out myself for that much! I'm healthy and willing and by doing so, I'd further scientific research. I'm all for it.

Melinda Williams said...

I don't know if I would do it, but as long as people aren't being exploited or just used as egg factories, I don't see what's wrong with it.
Of course women should be compensated for it. No one bats an eyelash at the fact men are compensated for their sperm (which is a much easier donation process), so why are people even considering not giving women the same due, especially considering the process is much more involved and time-consuming?